GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Six Grand Valley State University pre-med students make up the first group to be admitted to the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine through an agreement that was signed last fall between the two universities.

The students are Elizabeth Fetzer of Belding, Alex Gilde of McBain, Casey Key of Adrian, Bobbye Koning of White Cloud, Caleb Ortega of Saginaw and Mitch Sydloski of Wyoming, Mich. They will be among the 200 students who make up MSU’s Class of 2010. Half of the students will be starting their curriculum that year in the Secchia Center in Grand Rapids; the other half at the East Lansing campus.

Last September, Grand Valley and MSU created the Early Assurance Program that links pre-med GVSU students to MSU’s College of Human Medicine. The program provides an enhanced opportunity for admission to qualified pre-med students who wish to practice in underserved areas.

Preference for admission will be given to students who are the first generation to attend college, students who graduated from a low-income high school, those eligible for Pell grants, or those who express interest in a high need medical specialty area.

Jean Nagelkerk, vice provost for health at GVSU, said the partnership provides a seamless transition for students who are interested in attending medical school.

“By identifying and developing students for the Early Assurance Program, Grand Valley makes a substantial contribution to the physician work force of the future,” Nagelkerk said.

Christine Shafer, assistant dean for admissions for the College of Human Medicine, said she and others on the selection committee viewed the Grand Valley students as highly qualified and who fit the goals of the program well.

“We’re excited to welcome them to the MSU College of Human Medicine family,” Shafer said.

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